ENABLING

From helping someone toward positive behaviors to enabling someone to continue negative behaviors, we have to consider how much responsibility we have towards others.  When a loved one shows signs of needing help, we may be able to influence and guide them toward a better life.  Of course, every adult has the freedom to live their own lives, but if poor choices are having negative consequences, we may need to offer assistance.  If our assistance is refused, we may have to resort to the tough love approach.  If we don't try to help, we will be enabling them to continue their pattern of behavior.

Various messages we give ourselves may delay our decision to help: It's none of my business, They may consider it interference,  Our relationship will suffer.  When we listen to these excuses, time may make the behavior even worse.  

Part of love is wanting a good life for others.  When we see a problem and ignore it, we are missing a chance to show our love.